The Journey Event

This Saturday I'm going to be a participating author in The Journey Event. Isn't that a cool title?

The event is sponsored and hosted by Colorado Springs businesses to bring together authors, artists, and companies that provide products to Christian retail stores. It takes place on Friday and Saturday, but I'll only be attending on Saturday.

I'll be at Mardel at 5964 Barnes Road from noon until 2:00, and at Connections Bookstore inside Woodmen Valley Chapel at 240 E. Woodman Road from 4:00 until 6:00.

It's going to be a great gathering, if you're in the area be sure to stop by and say hello!

In other news:

I guess I haven't been paying enough attention to the little dog. Belle's been pulling paper out of my cabinet when she feels slighted. And then she doesn't even have the grace to look chagrined when she's caught.See? It was exactly this kind of behavior that got her written into my first two books. Sassy girl!

11 Days and Counting!

As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, I'm eagerly awaiting this year's annual conference. 

In just 11 days I'll be flying to Minneapolis! It's heaven on earth, spending time with writers, agents, and editors. Being with the publishing community is almost as if I'm going to a rendezvous on the mother ship with like minded folks. You know, those other people who live so much in their own heads. 

One of the great events of this year's conference is the huge book signing that is sponsored by Barnes & Noble at the Mall of America in Minneapolis. I'll participate with about 125 other Christian authors. Wow!

If you're in the area or know any book lovers in Minneapolis, I hope you'll stop by Saturday, September 20th from 1:00 till 3:00, and mingle with and meet some of your favorite authors. 

I'll be there, and I would love to meet you.

. . . and then we had dinner at a truck stop!

I had a wonderful time yesterday visiting with folks at Barnes & Noble (Cheyenne) and talking about Searching for Spice. And as usual, it was great to spend time with author Tina Forkner who was signing Ruby Among Us.

I always have fun chatting and laughing with book lovers. Yesterday, as per my usual MO, I was giving away chocolate kisses when the tables were turned and someone give me a small treat. Three delightful "Let's Do Tea" representative came to the book signing and gave me some yummy tea samples. Let me tell you, if drinking that tea makes people as happy as those ladies, then everyone should start enjoying tea more often. Thanks for the chuckles Mel, Julia, and Cindy. 

My DH and darling daughter #2 accompanied me yesterday, and on our way home we had dinner at a truck stop on I-25. And not just any truck stop, the World Famous Johnson's Corner. They've never closed their doors since 1952 when they first opened. They have the distinction of being one of of the "top ten BEST breakfast spots in the world" according to Travel and Leisure Magazine. Of course we had to order one of the cinnamon buns they're famous for. Thank goodness we only ordered one. They're huge. That's my daughter's fist next to the bun. 

It's a neat place, and much larger than I expected. Actually, since I've never dined at a truck stop, I really had no idea what to expect. LOL. 

Here's a photo I took from our booth looking toward the counter at the center of the restaurant. 

I'm glad I did this, it was fun to experience a slice of Americana with some tummy-filling food. 

B&N Southlands

My book signing for Searching for Spice at Barnes & Noble Southlands was a success. 

I met some of my writer friends for lunch beforehand at Paradise Bakery & Cafe. The manager, Sandy, was so warm and friendly. She took good care of us.  

This is a photo of me with Ruthie of Just Ruthie blog fame. She was a PK in China and blogs about her Chinese childhood memories. You should check it out. 

Here I am with Colleen Wisman. She's the wonderful CRM at B&N. You can tell she loves her job. She's so happy and enthusiastic. She's invited me back for November 29th when Out of Her Hands is available. 

I was pleased to have one of my daughters show up. Being the sweet girl that she is  and the amazing salesperson she is at heart, she cruised the store with a fistful of bookmarks directing folks my way. 

Lunch Anyone?

On Saturday, before my book signing at Barnes & Noble, I'm getting together with friends for lunch at Paradise Bakery & Cafe at Southlands. The address is 6240 S. Main St. It's just down the street from Barnes & Noble. 

And--you're invited. We're meeting at noon. BTW, many of my friends are also writers, so if you're interested in meeting folks in the publishing world, join us!

Book Signing @ Barnes & Noble

I'm excited to be signing Searching for Spice this Saturday (6/28) at Barnes & Noble, Southlands Town Center. Have you been to that mall? It's lovely. The B&N is at 6300 South Main Street, Aurora.

If you're in the area between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m, I would be delighted to have you stop by and say hello. I'll even give you a chocolate kiss or two. 

Book Signing in Cheyenne

Yesterday I went to Cheyenne, WY to do a book signing with three other authors. We signed at Cornerstone Christian Supply. Trisha Taylor, manager of CCS, was an amazing and welcoming hostess. She really has a heart for her ministry. 

From left to right are Jami Kirkbride (Laundry Tales to Lighten Your Load & The Mommy Diaries), Tina Forkner (Ruby Among Us), Karen Mackey (Life Savors for Women), and me. 

My honey took the trip there with me, and we stayed at the historic Plains Hotel (1911). It was neat. 

The hotel lobby has a player piano. Nice touch!

That's me (duh) sitting on a cowboy boot. 

In case you're wondering, this is a sample of the views between Cheyenne and Denver. 

I'm going to Cheyenne, Wyoming!

Cornerstone Christian Supply at 1507 Stillwater Ave., Cheyenne is hosting a premiere event:

4 Local Female Authors Book Signing!

June 21st at 6:00 p.m.

I'm honored and delighted to be included in this function along with Tina Forkner, author of Ruby Among Us, Jami Kirkbride, contributor to Laundry Tales to Lighten Your Load and Mommy Diaries, and Karen Mackey who has a story in Life Savors for Women.

I look forward to spending time with other writers and to meeting book lovers in Cheyenne. If you're in area, please stop by and say hello. 

Book Reading/Signing at Barnes & Noble

As I said to the audience Tuesday night at Barnes & Noble, I am living the dream every wanna-be novelist has. To enjoy the warm company of friends at a local bookstore and have a successful book signing. I did just that. Thank you, Jesus!

I started the evening by discussing one of my favorite parts of being a writer--marketing.

Then I read excerpts.
I don't look very happy in this photo, but my heart was singing.

I had a nice group of writers and book lovers who were very kind in giving me their attention.

And look, Robbie's even taking notes, bless her heart.

And then I signed my books!

Look at Darcie (in the red shirt) hamming it up for the camera.

Okay, I have to share the following because it just makes me laugh. Remember that old Elmer Fudd (Warner Bros.) cartoon song, "Kill the Wabbit?"

If you substitute the words, "Eat the chocolate," then you'll see our WFTJ fearless leader, Sharen Watson, singing her heart out. LOL. And she does this at every meeting. :)

"Eat the chocolate!"
"Eat the chocolate!!"

And then her voice gets a little deeper, and she sings, "Eat the chocolate!!!"